The arrival marked the beginning of replacing all UH-60L model aircrafts with UH-60M model aircrafts within the 25th CAB.

The new model features several upgrades that increase the CAB’s ability to support troops on the ground throughout the Pacific.

“The biggest improvement the M model employs is the new glass cockpit increasing the situational awareness for the aircrew,” said Greg Shirley, New Equipment Training Team Government Flight Representative with Sikorsky.

The model also features upgraded engines producing more power and wide chord blades for better lift capabilities.

The CAB will receive nearly four dozen UH-60M helicopters from August 2013 to March 2014. Representatives from Sikorsky will train CAB Soldiers on maintenance procedures and operation of the new digital systems.

“The new HH-60M MEDEVAC has Infrared capability for flying in adverse weather, improved instruments and flight controls with the glass cockpit for pilots, and all are brand new for increased reliability,” said Col. Kenneth Hawley, 25th CAB Commander. “This is the final modernization step for the 25th CAB, increasing the capabilities of the brigade to make it the most modern combat aviation brigade in the Army including the CH-47F Chinooks, AH-64E Apaches in [1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment], and now the UH-60M Black Hawks providing support for the 25th Infantry Division as well as United States Army Pacific.”

Since the first UH-60M fielding in 2007, a total of 2,200 Soldiers have been trained on the new Black Hawk. The 25th CAB is the sixth combat aviation brigade to receive the new aircraft.

CAB Soldiers will begin training on the UH-60M Black Hawk in mid September.